I could feel curious eyes following me as I left the dining room. Several pack members lingered in the hallway, their hushed whispers barely concealing their interest in what had just transpired.

"Did you see how the Alpha stormed out?" one woman murmured to her companion.

"And did you hear what Kane said?" another replied. "About his type looking like Aurora?"

I quickened my pace, heart hammering. Three days into my marriage, and already rumors were spreading.

Beta Collins, one of the pack elders, intercepted me with a concerned frown. "Luna, is everything alright? The Alpha seemed... distressed."

I forced a pleasant smile. "Just wedding exhaustion, Beta Collins. Raymond has been working so hard during the transition to Alpha. You know how seriously he takes his responsibilities."

"And Kane's comment?" he pressed, not entirely convinced.

"Just his usual teasing," I said lightly. "Kane and Raymond have been friends since childhood—they enjoy getting under each other's skin."

Beta Collins nodded slowly. "I see. Well, if there's anything the council can do to support you both during this adjustment period..."

"Of course," I assured him. "But everything is fine. Truly."

Two more pack members approached with similar concerns, and I repeated the performance each time—the supportive new Luna, standing firmly by her Alpha's side, dismissing any hint of discord with practiced ease.

By the third explanation, the words felt like ash in my mouth.

I rounded a corner and spotted Kane walking alone down a deserted corridor. Without thinking, I followed him, waiting until we were completely alone before grabbing his arm and shoving him against the wall.

"What the hell was that?" I hissed, keeping my voice low despite our isolation.

Kane's eyes widened momentarily before that infuriating smirk returned. "And hello again to you too, Luna.”

“Don’t ‘Luna’ me,” I snapped. “That little comment at breakfast—you promised complete secrecy.”

“I didn’t reveal anything,” he said, entirely too casual for my liking. “I merely expressed a preference.”

“You know exactly what you did,” I said, pressing my forearm against his chest. “You practically announced to Raymond that something is happening between us.”

Kane’s eyes darkened as he looked down at where my body pressed against his. “Is something happening between us, Aurora?”

My breath caught. The anger coursing through me had brought us dangerously close, his scent filling my senses.

“This arrangement ends the moment you break our confidentiality agreement,” I warned, forcing steel into my voice. “Is that clear? No more suggestive comments, no lingering looks.”

Kane didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he raised a hand, tracing one finger slowly along my jawline in a touch so light it was barely there.

“Crystal clear,” he murmured, though his eyes promised nothing.

I stepped back abruptly, needing distance between us. “I mean it, Kane.”

He straightened his shirt where I’d crumpled it, looking entirely too composed. “You know, you’re quite magnificent when you’re angry.”

Before I could respond, he walked away, leaving me alone in the corridor with my frustration and the lingering warmth of his touch on my skin.

---

I spent extra time with my makeup that afternoon, carefully concealing the shadows under my eyes before visiting my mother. The hospital room was painfully bright, the sterile scent of antiseptic burning my nose as I entered.

"Aurora!" My mother's face lit up at the sight of me, her smile momentarily masking how gaunt she'd become. "My beautiful Luna."

The title felt like a knife twist. I leaned down to kiss her cheek, forcing brightness into my voice. "How are you feeling today?"

"Never mind me," she said, patting the bed beside her. "Tell me everything. The wedding was beautiful—I've never seen a more radiant bride."

I sat carefully, taking her frail hand in mine. "It was perfect. Everything we'd hoped for."

"And the wedding night?" she asked, eyes twinkling with motherly curiosity. "Was Raymond everything you dreamed he'd be?"

I swallowed hard, the lie sticking in my throat. "He was... wonderful. Gentle and attentive."

"I knew he would be," she sighed happily. "I've always said you two were destined for each other. Do you remember how you used to follow him everywhere as children?"

"I remember," I said softly, each word another betrayal.

"And how is married life? Is he bringing you breakfast in bed? That's what your father did, you know. Every Sunday for our first year."

The contrast between her romantic memories and my reality was almost too much to bear. I manufactured elaborate details—Raymond's thoughtful gestures, our plans for the future, romantic moments that existed only in my imagination.

My mother drank in every fabrication, her happiness so genuine it broke my heart. By the time I kissed her goodbye, promising to visit again soon, I felt hollowed out.

As I closed her door and stepped into the hallway, a painful grip closed around my upper arm.

"There you are," my father said, his voice low and controlled. "I've been waiting."

He pulled me into an empty consultation room, shutting the door firmly behind us.

"How is your plan progressing?" he demanded without preamble.

"What plan?" I asked, though I knew exactly what he meant.

His fingers tightened, bruising my skin. "Don't play stupid. The rogue problem. Has Raymond's infatuation begun to wane?"

"These things take time," I said carefully.

"We don't have time," he snapped. "Raymond needs to focus on solidifying his position as Alpha, not chasing after that rogue whore. And you need to produce an heir."

The very thought made my stomach turn. "Father, we've only been married three days."

"Three days too long without results," he said coldly. "You're failing, Aurora. As usual."

"I'm doing my best—"

The slap came without warning, the crack of his palm against my cheek echoing in the small room. I stumbled back, my hand flying to my face.

"Your best has never been good enough," he said, his voice terrifyingly quiet. "Remember what's at stake. Your mother's treatments are expensive. As Beta, I have influence over pack resources—including medical care."

The threat hung between us, all the more horrifying for being familiar.

"I understand," I said, the words bitter on my tongue.

"Good." He straightened his jacket. "I expect better results soon."

He left without another word, the door clicking shut behind him.

I waited until I was certain he was gone before letting a single tear fall. Just one—I couldn't afford more.

After composing myself, I left the hospital, the mark on my cheek stinging in the cool afternoon air. I walked with my head high, ignoring the curious glances from pack members I passed.

"Aurora."

I froze at the sound of Kane's voice. He stood leaning against a sleek black car, clearly waiting for me. His eyes immediately fixed on my reddened cheek, his expression hardening.

I glared at him, silently daring him to comment. To his credit, he didn't.

"Need a ride?" he asked instead, opening the passenger door.

"I prefer to walk," I said stiffly.

Kane nodded, accepting my refusal without argument. As I passed him, his hand caught mine for the briefest moment, a touch so quick I might have imagined it.

"Aurora," he said quietly. "If you need anything—"

"I don't," I cut him off, pulling my hand away.

I continued down the path alone, feeling his eyes on my back until I turned the corner. Only then did I allow myself to wonder what he might have offered—and why, for a moment, I had been tempted to accept.